The massively popular party game is back, with a snazzier-than-ever guitar modelled on the Gibson Les Paul and a new developer. Which, wisely, hasn't messed with the formula, but has added some interesting tweaks, such as boss-battles in which you earn power-ups and use them to hamper your rival's efforts by triggering broken strings, overloading amps and so on. This adds difficulty to a game which already requires serious practice before you achieve proficiency, but also ups the adrenalin levels. You can also play through Career mode co-operatively and, incredibly given that precise timing is the key to Guitar Hero III, you can play against others over the internet. The playlist is better than ever, including far more original recordings (the Sex Pistols even re-recorded two tracks for it) as opposed to what sound like tribute-band versions. It's the same riotous party ice-breaker as before - but with everything cranked up to 11 this time.Steve Boxer

Mass Effect

Xbox 360, £49.99, cert 15+, Bioware/Microsoft, 5/5

Mass Effect mixes the space travel of Elite, the plot-twisting of Knights of the Old Republic and the music from Blade Runner to create something very special. But it takes a while to get going. Excessive alien chit-chat and initially confusing combat are not an ideal start. But when it clicks you'll get sucked into a highly addictive mix of action, conversation and gear lust, plus great character graphics. The rest of the game isn't bad looking either, with numerous other-worldly locales convincingly depicted. The game occasionally struggles to keep up, though, with graphical slowdown more noticeable in battle scenes than it should have been. As well as the main mission, players are free to explore the wider reaches of the galaxy, though exploration feels a little undercooked. But the core of the game - role-playing mixed with third person combat - is hugely enjoyable, even if it's not quite the paradigm-shifter that previews suggested it would be.Greg Howson

Crysis

PC, £34.99, cert 16+, Crytek/EA, 5/5

Far Cry came from nowhere to redefine freeform shoot-em-ups. Three years later, the developers are back and they're still improving. As before, we start in a lush jungle setting, swarming with grunts of the smartest kind. Pretty soon there are aliens and more to deal with. Then there's the full gamut of weaponry, from tasty sniper rivals to tuned-up tanks - this time with a proper multiplayer element. If you wanted to quibble, it's a bit short and you'll need a ninja PC to appreciate it. However, this is a brilliantly paced shoot-em-up with graphics to die for. Don't miss it.Mike Anderiesz